Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It helps connect tissues and is a major element in bones, skin, and tendons. Collagen can help improve sleep, joint pain, brain function; prevent scars; and reduce cellulite while a lack of collagen can increase the risk of physical ailments. Knowing the importance of collagen can inform your skincare decisions, helping you find solutions to make your skin feel and look younger.
Evidence of the Importance of Collagen
Here we explore the importance of collagen and the benefits it provides to both skin and overall wellness.
Building Block For Skin Health
Collagen helps the skin retain moisture and hold its elasticity. This is especially important as we age. Healthy collagen levels can smooth wrinkles, reduce signs of premature aging, and help maintain a youthful appearance by acting almost as a glue on the histological level. There are approximately 28 types of collagen in the human body, and the best for the skin include animal, marine, and plant-based collagen.
Improve Gut Health
The importance of collagen in digestive health cannot be overstated. The protein is an essential component of the colon and GI tract, meaning it plays a critical role in digestion. Those with irritable bowel syndrome or inflammation in the digestive tract have been found to have lower levels of collagen. Those who suffer from collagen-related digestive issues should consider dietary changes to approve their collagen levels. This includes consuming foods that are rich in the protein such as bone broth, marbled meat, eggs, legumes, and whole grains.
What Causes The Loss Of Collagen?
There are many factors that contribute to producing less collagen or even losing it:
- Age (after 25 and around 30)
- Poor diet
- Smoking
- Excessive drinking
- Exposure to UV radiation without proper sun protection
- Excessive glycation (usually in sugary foods)
The importance of collagen is clearly linked to a variety of health issues. The good news is that you can increase your collagen intake and help prevent a major deficiency fairly easily.
What Are The Signs Of A Lack Of Collagen?
Collagen helps many parts of the body function and work together. When there is not enough, individuals can feel worn down or wonder if more serious health issues are at play. These are a few signs and symptoms of low collagen levels:
- Dry skin
- Brittle hair and nails
- Stiff joints
- Painful rashes
- Sagging skin
- Hair loss
- Flaking scalp
- Cold or numb extremities
Protecting Your Skin and Your Collagen Levels
Taking collagen supplements has been shown to improve skin and overall health. Collagen levels can be adjusted by eating specific animal products or taking supplements. Supplements for increasing collagen are fairly new, but they have been shown to help issues such as digestion and skin health.
In addition to monitoring your collagen levels, there are other strategies for taking good care of your skin. Drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated is great for your skin and can help your body absorb all the vitamins and minerals it needs. Ingesting antioxidants and antioxidant-rich foods can help support your overall health. Antioxidants help neutralize free radicals, which come from pollution and other substances in makeup.
Skincare Products With Collagen
Some nighttime skincare products can help keep the collagen working for your skin. When you are shopping for skincare products, look for ingredients such as red algae extract, snow algae powder, shea butter, and ginseng root. These can improve collagen levels and the moisture absorption and elasticity of your skin. If you understand the importance of collagen, paying close attention to the skin care products you use will become a high priority.
Take Care Of Your Skin With Advanced Electrolysis
There are many steps you can take to improve the look of your skin and help slow aging. Some products claim they can reverse aging and make you young again, but the easiest way to begin taking care of your skin is to eat the right foods and drink plenty of water. Once that is in hand, our team can help you take care of your skin with impressive results.
Our med spa helps patients understand the importance of collagen in an effort to rejuvenate the body and help it to produce collagen naturally. Collagen is important, and is even more helpful when it is produced naturally inside your body. Advanced Electrolysis offers skin rejuvenation methods that can help in the production of collagen, including massage, laser treatments, and other nonsurgical means. These can increase the elasticity of sagging or tired-looking skin. Contact us to schedule your appointment today.
